I am the vine, you are the branches. Abide in me as I abide in you.

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40  • Psalm 22:25-31  • 1 John 4:7-21  • John 15:1-8

He is the vine, we are the branches. Jesus uses this analogy in telling us that we are to abide in him, as he abides in us. Why does he tell us this? What does he mean? See Sister Kym Harris' Reflection, and Bob Stuhlmann's "Staying Open to the Source? John 15"

 What is it to Abide? Why is this important to us as Christians? To society? Read The Rev. Debie Thomas' "Abide."

The Good Shepherd calls us by name

Scripture: Acts 4:5-12  • Psalm 23  • 1 John 3:16-24  • John 10:11-18

This is Good Shepherd Sunday. We read two of the most beloved and well known verses in Psalm 23 and one of the "I am" sayings recorded by John, this one being "I am the Good Shepherd." Why does Jesus say he is the Good Shepherd? Sheep are often viewed as mindless followers, apt to get lost, docile and dull. We are the sheep he has come to tend, and we have value. This God calls us by name, and cares for us. But there is more - much is expected of us. See The Rev. James Leggett's "Wool and Mutton," and The Rev. Sharron Blezard's "Rambling in the Ruts of Righteousness."

Will we recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd calling us by name? See Sister Kym Harris' "Exposition" How do we call out to others as Christians? Why is that of significance? See Sister Kym Harris' "Reflection."

Soul Food

Scripture: Acts 3:12-19  • Psalm 4  • 1 John 3:1-7  • Luke 24:36b-48

In Luke's gospel account, the resurrected Jesus appears once again to his disciples who are described as being "startled, terrified, and "while in their joy, disbelieving and wondering." Jesus offers them Peace, and asks them to share a meal of broiled fish with him before commissioning them to spread the good news. Why? What is it about sharing a meal which brings people with many differences, doubts, fears and feelings together? How can sharing a meal help us see and experience the presence of Christ? See The Rev. Sharron Riessinger Blezard's "Potlucks, Comfort Food and Faith." What a joy to celebrate and receive the Holy Eucharist each week in communion with God's children where all are welcome!

How can we experience the earth moving sensation of resurrection as the disciples did? See Sister Kym Harris' "Exposition," and "Reflection."

See why The Rev. Rick Morley loves preaching about the resurrected Christ, who can be anywhere, and is still present as our brother in body and spirit in "not as outcasts - a reflection on Luke 24:36b-48."

Food for the soul? You bet! As Sharron Riessinger Blezard says "Come to Christ’s table. Come as you are. Come hungry, come helpless, come hopeful. Eat and live to go and tell. We are the witnesses. Whether bold or fearful, let us be full and faithful in our going and telling and inviting. There is room for all and plenty of comfort food to share."

Overwhelming the Overwhelmed - with Love

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35  • Psalm 133  • 1 John 1:1-2:2  • John 20:19-31

The second Sunday of Easter, we see the disciples behind locked doors, afraid and lost, in short, overwhelmed by what has happened to the one to whom they gave the last three years of their lives, seeing miraculous healings, mercy, kindness and love, and defiance of the entrenched religious institutions of the day, followed by his humiliating and violent death by crucifixion, as if he were a common criminal. And then Jesus appears to them. They were afraid even then. Why? Were they afraid because they abandoned him, and what he might say, or do to them? How does the presence of Jesus help the overwhelmed disciples, and us? Jesus didn't just give us peace for ourselves as individuals, for our own internal self fulfillment or self-satisfaction. He sends us out, as his Father sent him to us. To do what? See The Rev. Kate Matthews' "Love is a Response to Grace."

And what about Thomas, called the twin, or Doubting Thomas? We don't give Thomas enough credit. He is the only one bold enough to be out from behind the locked doors, to ask questions, and to seek truth, no matter where it takes him.

Jesus greets and gives his disciples with the Peace which only he can give, the Holy Spirit to inspire and counsel us, and the will and power to deal with all that overwhelms us, especially in the times in which we live. The great power of release in forgiveness can free us to act, unfettered from chains of fear, doubt, addiction, and whatever causes us to be broken and unreconciled to God and each other.

How do we keep from being overwhelmed, and bring peace, love and reconciliation into a world of violence, greed, hunger and suffering? Read Sister Kym Harris' "Exposition," and "Reflection."